The Regional Planning Commission provides a range of services to help communities plan and to coordinate regional and local plans.

Environmental Condition Reports

Regional Planning Commission staff work with local planners and officials to prepare Environmental Conditions Reports. ECRs examine natural resources, sensitive environmental areas, projected demand for land and redevelopment opportunities. The reports generally cover an urban area and the surrounding extraterritorial jurisdiction area. An example of a recent ECR is available here.

Future Urban Development Area Planning

Following completion of Environmental Condition Reports, communities may elect to participate in Future Urban Development Area planning. FUDA planning involves neighboring jurisdictions in a joint planning process to consider alternative development scenarios. Community members and leaders examine scenarios and their estimated future impacts. They use the results to inform their local comprehensive planning. An example of a recent FUDA study is available here.

Neighborhood Design

The Regional Planning Commission uses the ModelBlock tool to involve and inform community members about urban development choices. During a ModelBlock workshop (example: Stoughton Design Workshop), participants arrange wooden blocks and paper streets, lots, parking and parks to design neighborhoods that are consistent with community values and goals.

Scenario Planning

Using UrbanFootprint, Regional Planning Commission staff generate and evaluate multiple scenarios of future urban development. Community leaders and members can use this information to better understand the trade-offs of development choices, and to prepare plans and policies most likely to generate their desired outcomes.

Customized Planning Assistance

Regional Planning Commission staff is available to provide customized planning assistance to meet the needs of local communities. We can help with comprehensive planning, neighborhood engagement, area plans, and more.

The Capital Area Regional Planning Commission

The Capital Area Regional Planning Commission facilitates the creation of a shared vision and regional plan with our communities. We support communities in making vital decisions that strengthen our region.